When it comes to purchasing air filters, it is essential to understand the difference between nominal and actual dimensions. Nominal size is the size printed on the cardboard edge of the air filter, while actual size is the exact size of the filter when measuring length, width and depth (thickness). Knowing the difference between these two sizes can help you find the perfect filter for your home. In some cases, air cleaner measurements are not necessarily listed as exact physical dimensions.
Sometimes the manufacturer uses a model number instead. If you have the model number, you can calculate the dimensions. If your HVAC system uses a whole-house filter (they are close to your central oven or air conditioning unit), the model number will most likely appear, not the dimensions. This size is usually on the filter just below the nominal size and is usually labeled as the actual size.
HVAC technicians come to your home and evaluate your specific unit, so they know what type of filter your oven can handle and what is best for your system. On the home page, first select the product type (oven filters) and then select the nominal oven filter size (thickness) of your filter. Usually, looking at the old filter or consulting the owner's manual are the two best ways to determine the size of filter required by a heating and cooling system. However, these filters can sometimes restrict airflow, which can lead to air and system quality problems.
Do not stack several smaller air filters on top of each other to place them in a larger air handler. This nominal size creates consistency across the board, adding peace of mind and less confusion for consumers. When making your purchase, you should order the filter by its nominal size, rather than its actual size. Dimensions will include height, width and depth. Installing several air filters 1 in a slot 2 can cause costly damage to your air conditioning unit, since residential ovens are not equipped to handle this level of airflow restriction. Colorfil filters, originally designed for NASA, help eliminate chemicals and odors at a molecular level that normal air filters can't.
Understanding more about the sizes of air conditioning and oven filters can ensure you find the perfect size for your home.